Well, we did it. First media to make me tear up with those bitter salty tears in 2024. Only took 18 days.

What an important game. I'm not sure the last time I've been so personally struck by the heartbreak in a story.

The Wreck recounts the trauma of a car wreck, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. This is a story about wounds. This is a story about hurt. This is a story about forgiveness. This is a story about hope.

I'm reminded of That Dragon, Cancer and the memoir nature of tragedy. While this story is a bit more storytelling that autobiographical, it's nonetheless powerfully poignant.

I was somewhat amazed at how fleshed out the cast was in only 3 hours of total gameplay. And, even with a bizarre choice of 3D modeling, I found the designs compelling enough to take me through the journey like a kids storybook.

I fell in love with Junon as I heard her thoughts, her doubts, and her [spoiler]. I believed her words and was proud of the Junon that we made together through the choices we made in the game. However, this game only has one choice. And it's sort of after the ending. It's all the decisions that we made along the way that make that ending what it is.

All in all, this is a vitally important game that barely anyone will play and that's a real shame.

Pastoral Perspective: I'm not sure there's a better game out there that explores guilt and trauma quite like this. It feels like I've come out of a therapy session after rolling credits. I've been broken and restored. There's even a very compelling Jesus trauma in the final act. This is another instance of video game developers offering better examples of pastoral care than the Church ever has.

I can save you the time of reading this review by saying one thing: there is only one thing truly "wrong" with Lacuna -- it's only a few hours long. While I love the #shortgame culture, this game made me want to spend hundreds of hours in it's realized world.

Now the real review:

Lacuna is a pixel noir detective game that was made by a humble team of developers that have created something that rivals most of the AAA titles in the genre.

The pixel art is absolutely stunning. I found myself marveling at the attention to detail. I wanted more areas to explore, more backgrounds to interact with, more chairs to just sit in and witness the world the team created.

The story is exactly what a noir game deserves - just enough intrigue and twists to keep you hooked while the character drama gives the world substance and detail. The world-building that this title does in a few short hours should make any writer blush. Each character feels multi-faceted and full of secrets of a life we will never get to see. There's also plenty of world-building hidden into the UI, with news articles and emails that are totally optional.

Speaking of the UI, it's equally exceptional and pleasing to work with. Everything about this experience is polished and comfortable.

If you enjoy the detective genre, then this is one for you. If you appreciate indie titles, then this is one you shouldn't sleep on. If you enjoy pixel art, then you could just look at this one and savor the artwork.

Oh wait - I thought of another thing that's wrong with Lacuna... nowhere near enough people have played it. Do yourself the favor and enjoy this pulp noir gem.

Close to the Sun is a game that knows what it wants to look like, but not what it wants to be. The story is serviceable, but never goes quite far enough to really be anything much more than a B-movie spy plot.

The gameplay is a walking simulator with some simple puzzles that - like the story - never quite push the limit to be anything incredibly interesting.

The best parts of this title are the quiet moments where you get to appreciate the aesthetic.

The worst parts are by far any time the game fails to explain something properly. Chapter 3 is a notable downfall where I wandered aimlessly looking for a room that I couldn't draw for you now it was so unremarkable.

The voice cast was good enough and allowed for some of the writing to shine through, but a fair assortment of plot holes, cringe dialogue, and characters offering puzzles instead of helping in dire situations distracted from the immersion.

I wanted to like this game more than I did, and I especially had hoped it could scratch a Bioshock itch that it's so clearly inspired by. Unfortunately, there were simply too many bumps along the road for me.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this visual novel, but I could have never predicted the places that this one was willing to go. This story works best as a visual novel and also brings out the best elements of the medium--maybe better than any other VN I've ever played.

As a fan of VNs, this is easy to recommend. It's by far a must-play for anyone even slightly interested in the medium. However, like with any other VN, this also makes it downright impossible to recommend to anyone not a fan of the storytelling style.

Between the CGs, the immaculate (albeit a bit superfluous) writing, the original compositions (that get even better when you unlock the translations post-game), and the absolutely masterful storytelling, it's impossible to give this less than a perfect score. It's a masterpiece that defines this genre for me going forward.

I will miss these characters. I will miss the music. But I'm also finding my heart warmed on the other side of a tragic love story. I read a lot of books. This is a better story than any fantasy I've ever read.

Pastoral Perspective: This is a challenging story. It's difficult not to spoil the constant twists to explain it, but it's filled with potential triggers. It's boldly willing to be exactly what it is and has plenty of Christian culture thrown into its story--both in a positive and negative light. The most important lesson that this game teaches is that none have fallen so far as to not be capable of being offered grace, if not forgiveness.

A good-enough game that has one great puzzle that you will use ad nauseum for the entire game.

The aesthetic of the game is what really sets it apart, but it's narrative is not strong enough to hold up to its stylized appearance.

You can feel the Inside influence, but it doesn't go far enough in any particularly daring direction to live up to that indie classic.

It is a #shortgame, so I love that. However, I found myself ready to be done with it in even those few short hours.

As an avid fan of the Ace Attorney series, I can confidently give Spirit of Justice a 10/10. As with any Ace Attorney game, Spirit of Justice hits on many of the same exemplary features that have made the series such a standout over the years.

The storytelling in this installment is both absurd and delightful, weaving together seemingly disparate threads in a way that constantly surprises and satisfies. The new cast of characters, despite their somewhat problematic names, are endearing and well-crafted, with the classic Ace Attorney charm and polish evident throughout.

Several cases stood out in particular, with one of them being the exceptionally long final case, a pinnacle of top-tier mystery writing. The returning characters are always a delight, and while Athena Cykes doesn't quite get her due in this finale of the second major trilogy, it's wonderful to see familiar faces back in action.

Musically, Spirit of Justice does not disappoint. The soundtracks of Ace Attorney games have always been a hallmark, and this installment is no exception. Both returning tracks and a plethora of new, catchy melodies enhance the gaming experience greatly.

The introduction of spirit-medium-based discernment in the land of Kura'in was an interesting touch, although it became somewhat convoluted and frustrating after a few encounters.

Like many Ace Attorney games, Spirit of Justice takes some time to get its hooks into you, but once the story starts to roll, it becomes an immersive experience that's hard to put down.

It's difficult to review Ace Attorney games objectively, as I inevitably fall in love with the characters and the story by the end of the game. If you're a fan of Ace Attorney, you're going to love this return to form. If the game-style doesn't appeal to you, then this installment is unlikely to change your mind, as it faithfully retains the core elements that define the series.

In conclusion, Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice is an excellent addition to the franchise. Its compelling storytelling, charming characters, and engaging music make it a must-play for fans of the series. It might have a few minor shortcomings, but they are easily overlooked in light of the game's overall brilliance. If you're a fan of the Ace Attorney series or enjoy well-crafted, character-driven stories, you won't want to miss this one.

I have recently had the immense pleasure of playing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and it is with absolute conviction that I give this game a 10/10. This game is truly exceptional, a masterstroke in the action-adventure genre and a crowning achievement in the Zelda franchise.

The mechanics borrowed from its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, have been refined and expanded in Tears of the Kingdom, adding to the gameplay in every possible way. The two new domains to explore – the ethereal sky and the deep, mysterious depths – serve as impressive additions to an already expansive and enchanting game world.

One of the standout aspects is the storyline. This game features one of the best narratives in the Zelda series to date, a significant improvement from the somewhat sparse predecessor. Additionally, the introduction of voiced characters added a new layer of depth and immersion to the storytelling.

The game's difficulty was beautifully balanced. It offered challenges when needed, yet remained accessible to a broad range of player types. The expanded side quest system is a remarkable improvement over Breath of the Wild's decent but somewhat basic system.

The addition of recipes to the cooking system greatly alleviated some of the more frustrating aspects of the game. Late-game features were notably beneficial to completionist players, providing excellent guidance and assistance on their journey.

As for pacing, Tears of the Kingdom is the best paced open-world game I have ever experienced. It's an impressive feat of game design, keeping players engaged without overwhelming them with too much at once.

The music, while sparse, is delightful when it comes into play, enhancing key moments and environments. The sound design is beyond compare, contributing greatly to the immersive quality of the game.

I am thrilled to hear that this style will continue in future Zelda games. Given the extraordinary experience that Tears of the Kingdom provides, I eagerly anticipate what the Zelda team will come up with next.

In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a truly exceptional game that delivers on all fronts. With its rich narrative, immersive world, refined mechanics, and superb sound design, it sets a new standard for what an open-world action-adventure game can be. I wholeheartedly recommend this game to all, whether you're a veteran Zelda player or a newcomer to the franchise.

I completed Dragon Quest 11 and would give the game a solid 9/10. The game excels in many aspects, such as the story, characters, and gameplay, which I greatly enjoyed throughout my playthrough. The battle mechanics were interesting, and the expansive skill tree provided enough depth and customization to keep me engaged for future gameplay.

However, there's a caveat to my enjoyment of the game. While I appreciated my time with Dragon Quest 11, I found it to be overwhelmingly long and filled with seemingly pointless side quests. As a result, I rate the main game as a 9, but when considering the entire game, including all the side quests, I would rate it closer to a 6.

One of the standout features of the game is the music. The beautiful soundtrack serves as a real hallmark, making the lengthy nature of the game more bearable and enjoyable. The music enhances the overall experience and adds a layer of immersion to the gameplay.

I am looking forward to future Dragon Quest installments, but I must admit that I am thankful for the slow development process. After such a lengthy and sometimes exhausting experience, I need some breathing room before diving into another entry in this expansive franchise.

In conclusion, Dragon Quest 11 is a captivating adventure with an engaging story, charming characters, and enjoyable gameplay. The game's length and the abundance of side quests might be overwhelming for some players (this one included), but the beautiful music and solid core experience make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you're willing to invest the time and effort, Dragon Quest 11 is a rewarding journey worth embarking on.

I recently had the pleasure of playing the short indie game, Dredge, and I absolutely adored it. I would give it a 9/10. The fishing mechanic at the core of the gameplay was captivating and never got boring. It's rare for a game to make such a simple mechanic so enjoyable, but Dredge managed to pull it off.

The narrative is one of the game's strongest aspects and is an absolute must-play for story lovers. It's a tale so engaging that I can't help but wish that someone like Stephen King would play this game and share their thoughts on it.

When the game ended, I was genuinely sad, and I eagerly look forward to the upcoming DLC. Most of the characters in Dredge are incredibly interesting, and their stories kept me engaged throughout my playthrough. The blank slate nature of the player character fits the tone of the story well, allowing the player to immerse themselves in the game's world.

However, there is room for improvement. The game could have benefited from deeper mechanics beyond the fishing aspect. For example, the addition of more idle mechanics for making money or expanded social elements that incentivized min-maxing could have provided players with something more impressive to work towards, like a new ship or other upgrades.

Despite these minor shortcomings, I look forward to seeing how the expanded product will turn out and am hoping for an even deeper experience in the future.

In conclusion, Dredge is a delightful indie game that combines an engaging narrative with enjoyable fishing mechanics. While it could use some deeper gameplay elements, the overall experience is captivating and memorable. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story or simply wants to get lost in a charming, immersive world.